Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 27, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Vocal

 

Bruce Johnston is a renowned American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on June 27, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, and grew up in Beverly Hills, California. His real name is Benjamin Baldwin, but he changed it to Bruce Johnston when he started his music career. Johnston's interest in music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was only five years old. He was also interested in singing and joined the choir at his school. He later learned to play the guitar and the drums, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local bands. In the early 1960s, Johnston joined the band The Rip Chords, which was known for their surf music. He co-wrote and sang lead vocals on their hit song "Hey Little Cobra," which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1964. This success led to Johnston being signed as a solo artist to Columbia Records, where he released several singles and an album, but he did not achieve the same level of success as he did with The Rip Chords. In 1965, Johnston was invited to join the Beach Boys as a replacement for their bassist, Brian Wilson, who had stopped touring with the band to focus on writing and producing their music. Johnston's first performance with the Beach Boys was in December 1965, and he quickly became an integral part of the band's sound. He played keyboards, sang backing vocals, and co-wrote several of their songs, including "Disney Girls (1957)" and "Tears in the Morning." Johnston's contributions to the Beach Boys' music were recognized when he was awarded a Grammy Award in 1976 for his work on their album "15 Big Ones." He also received a Grammy nomination in 1977 for his work on their album "The Beach Boys Love You." In addition to his work with the Beach Boys, Johnston has also had a successful solo career. He released several albums in the 1970s and 1980s, including "Going Public" and "Surfin' Round the World." He also wrote and produced music for other artists, including Elton John, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. Johnston's talent as a musician and songwriter has been recognized by his peers in the music industry. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000, and in 2003, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beach Boys. Despite his success, Johnston has faced some challenges in his personal life. He struggled with drug addiction in the 1970s and 1980s, but he was able to overcome it and has been sober for many years. He has also faced health issues, including a heart attack in 2007, but he has continued to perform and record music. Today, Johnston is still active in the music industry and continues to perform with the Beach Boys. He has also been involved in several projects to preserve and promote the band's legacy, including the release of a box set of their music and a documentary film about their history. In conclusion, Bruce Johnston is a talented musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His work with the Beach Boys and as a solo artist has earned him numerous awards and accolades, and he continues to be a respected figure in the music industry. Despite facing personal challenges, Johnston has persevered and remains a beloved and influential artist.

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